People
travel for a change of scenery. Here are seven ways to travel and change the
scene—for the better.
For many Filipinos, the summer months are the
best time for travel. Children are on vacation, there is less chance of monsoon
weather, and the cool waters of the country’s sandy beaches are the best
antidote to the hot sticky days. And thanks to OFW money, budget has become
less of a major concern.
Last month, this travel writer was invited to
the PATA Adventure and Responsible Tourism Conference in Bhutan. Over 200
travel professionals gathered to discuss the model of High Value Tourism, Low
Footprints. The conference location
could not have been more apt. Tourism is
the second biggest source of revenue in this tiny kingdom. With the daily
tariff of US$250 for tourists on peak season, many would assume it is an
expensive travel destination. But of this fee, only US$65 goes to the
government for the medical and educational needs of the population. The rest may cover hotel cost, land
transfers, food, driver, and tour guide fees.
While it is an impressive economic model, the
country too provides an excellent example for eco-tourism for its commitment to
the environment. The Bhutanese have deep
respect for their mountains, with the Himalayan ranges on the northern and
western borders considered to be thrones of the gods.
Considered sacred, these mountains are
off-limits to climbers. It is no
surprise that much of Bhutan’s forests and ecosystems remain intact. For every
tree cut, ten are planted to replace it.
According to the conference’s keynote speaker
Anna Pollock, CEO of DestiCorp UK and the founder of Conscious Travel,
travelers and hosts working together can create a viable version of tourism
that is “environmentally sustainable, socially just, and spiritually
fulfilling.”
Pollock observes that travel was once a luxury
enjoyed by the wealthy few. It is now a universal commodity. “In about 60
years, tourism has grown nearly 100 times from less than 10 million to 1
billion international overnight trips. That may sound like good news—and the
growth is impressive—but there are signs that as an efficient economic engine,
it’s running out of steam. At best, it’s producing diminishing returns; at
worse, it contains within it the seeds of its own destruction.”
But there are ways by which we can change our
habits and switch from being gawking tourists to responsible travelers, says
Pollock. Here are seven ways to get started:
1.
Make careful choices about the frequency, length and location of your trip
While creative marketing and budget carriers
may entice us to enjoy short weekend trips, stop and think it through. Why not
go for a longer holiday? Instead of
quick weekend trips to Singapore for your fill of hawker fare, why not head on
a five-day holiday extending by bus your trip to nearby Kuala Lumpur and
Malacca. More bang for your bucks and
less carbon footprint because you’re taking one long trip instead of several
short ones.
2.
Learn to explore by foot
Filipinos are spoiled when it comes to walking
and we take the tricycle, pedicab and jeepney to deliver us smack on our
doorstep. But while on holiday and with
no work deadlines to think of, why not enjoy leisurely walk? It’s good exercise and also allows you to
engage more with the local culture. The best reward for Filipino travelers is
discovering more photo opportunities on the road, more exotic street food and
sidewalk stalls offering fantastic buys
3.
Select suppliers whose actions show that they run “places that care” for the
environment, the employees, the host community as well as
for the guest and investor.
The cheapest option is not always the best,
when it comes to choosing a hotel, a restaurant, or a tour operator. Choose places that give back. Many hotels now have programs and tour groups
geared to help their chosen causes. Green Discovery Laos gives sponsors an
annual summer camp for underprivileged children in the forest to instill in
them an appreciation for conserving the trees.
Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia have plenty of restaurants and cafes which
are socially enterprises. In Hanoi,
there’s Baguette & Chocolate just outside the Museum of Ethnology. You can rest your weary feet, sip a
cappuccino and try Pain Au Chocolat and other breads made by disadvantaged
youth.
4.
Use transport modes that run on alternative energy
Opt to ride natural gas vehicles that use
compressed natural gas (CNG) or liquefied natural gas (LNG) as a clean
alternative to other fossil fuels. For
more than a decade now, many taxi cabs in Bangkok run on natural gas. Over 500 taxis run on CNG in Singapore.
5.
Buy food and souvenirs that are sourced and made by local residents, preferably using skills at risk of disappearing, and the services of
local guides
Carefully inspect the souvenirs you intend to
buy. You’d be surprised at how, even in an exotic destination like Uzbekistan,
the key chains and shirts may still be made in China. Support the local artists and craftsmen. A Bhutanese woman may spend six months
hand-weaving fabric. By purchasing even a small bookmark or intricate skirt
material, you are helping their craft survive.
Purchasing from local slipper makers in Liliw, Laguna and woodcarvers in
Paete or in Baguio boosts the income of these artists.
6.
Demonstrate humble curiosity—a
conscious traveler will take the time to learn more about the community, the
people and issues before, during and after their trips
Strive to learn from your holidays. Do your homework and learn about the place
you are visiting. You will gain a deeper appreciation and understanding of the
sights you’re planning to see. Furthermore, you can engage in stimulating and
informed conversations with the locals.
7.
Learn and respect local customs and traditions
Many travelers have become fixated on
capturing stunning photos of their trips for their Facebook walls. While it is
tempting to pose with Buddhist monks in saffron-colored robes in Southeast
Asia, be mindful of your actions. Women
are not allowed to come into direct contact with monks here, so don’t insist in
a cozy group shot with them. Instead of
shooting like ballistic paparazzi, kindly ask the monks or the locals if you
can take their photos. Most of them will kindly oblige. Many temples, wats and mosques don’t allow
photography. Respect this. Dress and act
modestly, so as not to offend others.
Ultimately, it is the choices we make that
define us as responsible tourists.
Remember, most of the people you encounter on your trips will ask where
you are from. They will likely forget
your name, but remember you as a Filipino.
Don’t give us a bad name. Act responsibly, and make a difference! •
Maida Pineda
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Business & Investment Opportunities
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